Principles of Computational Modelling in Neuroscience

This page intentionally left blank Principles of Computational Modelling in Neuroscience The nervous system is made up of a large number of elements that interact in a complex fashion. To understand how such a complex system functions requires the construction and analysis of computational models at many different levels. This book provides a step-by-step account of how to model the neuron and neural circuitry to understand the nervous system at many levels, from ion chan-nels to networks. Starting with a simple model of the neuron as an electrical circuit, gradually more details are added to include the effects of neuronal mor-phology, synapses, ion channels and intracellular signalling. The principle of abstraction is explained through chapters on simplifying models, and how sim-plified models can be used in networks. This theme is continued in a final chapter on modelling the development of the nervous system. Requiring an elementary background in neuroscience and some high school mathematics, this textbook provides an ideal basis for a course on computational neuroscience. An associated website, providing sample codes and up-to-date links to exter-nal resources, can be found at www.compneuroprinciples.org. David Sterratt is a Research Fellow in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. His computational neuroscience research interests include models of learning and forgetting, and the formation of connections within the develop-ing nervous system. Bruce Graham is a Reader in Computing Science in the School of Natural Sci-ences at the University of Stirling. Focusing on computational neuroscience, his research covers nervous system modelling at many levels. Andrew Gillies works at Psymetrix Limited, Edinburgh. He has been actively involved in computational neuroscience research. David Willshaw is Professor of Computational Neurobiology in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on the appli-cation of methods of computational neurobiology to an understanding of the development and functioning of the nervous system. Principles of Computational Modelling in Neuroscience David Sterratt University of Edinburgh Bruce Graham University of Stirling Andrew Gillies Psymetrix Limited David Willshaw University of Edinburgh ... - tailieumienphi.vn